Module 4: Rosacea tx

Question 1

What is rosacea?

Answer 1

Chronic and relapsing inflammatory skin disorder that primarily involves the central face.

Question 2

What nonpharmacologic interventions are recommended?

Answer 2

Avoidance of triggers (temp, food), gentle skin care (sensitive products and moisturizes), sun-protection, use of cosmetic products to hide redness.

These are the first-line recommended interventions.

Question 3

What are second-line interventions?

Answer 3

Laser and intense pulsed light: used for tx of vascular lesions such as telangiectasias. Do not cure so periodic tx required.

Pharmacologic therapy:
- Topical brimonidine = vasoconstrictive alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist
- topical oxymetazoline = alpha-adrenergic receptor agonist

Question 4

What is cautioned with pharamacological use?

Answer 4

Because of concern of risk for potentiation of vascular insufficiency and hypotension during tx with alpha-2 adrenergic agonsists, cautious use recommended in patients with:
- depression
- cerebral or coronary insufficiency
- Raynaud’s disease
- Severe CVD

Also patients receiving tx with antihypertensives, cardiac glycosides, CNS depressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors